Surrounded by fellow Democrats, Rick Palacio, state chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, delivers a speech on the west steps of the Capitol in Denver, celebrating the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law.

Colorado Democratic Party chairman Rick Palacio on Monday called the implementation of the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy 18 years ago a discriminatory move that weakened the country’s national defense.

“We’re here to celebrate a victory in a silent battle,” said Palacio, flanked by a handful of members from the state legislature and military veterans on the west steps of the state Capitol. “No longer will brave men and women be turned away from serving our nation in uniform just because they are gay or lesbian.”

Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog has named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.